Yesterday wasn't what I would call the 'best' of days. While I always try to be positive and put a positive spin on things, sometimes it doesn't work out that way. Actually, it was Monday that was the difficult day, but yesterday was more of the aftermath of dealing with a very stressful situation and for the most part, I was pretty useless. Those who know me know that isn't my usual way. I always try to rise above the things that are bothering me.

I am not trying to be cryptic, but I really am not going to get into the details of the problem. As of today, it is pretty much resolved and after a good night's sleep, I feel much better. It was, however an example of how emotions and attitude can deeply affect our daily lives, and a reminder to myself of how important it is for me to focus on the many (many) positive things and not let the negative things get hold of me.

After the incident happened on Monday, I was able to finish my cutting of my trays that I showed yesterday. But as soon as I stopped working and began dwelling on the things that had transpired throughout the day, it really brought me down to a place emotionally where I haven't been in many years. I tried to go to sleep early (around 8:30pm) but I had a fitful night and actually slept very little. My head wouldn't allow the thoughts to settle down and even if I did fall asleep, I awakened myself with worry over and over again. By the time the sun came up in the morning, I got up and refocused and tried to busy myself with the positive things in my life. That helped.

By the afternoon, things were pretty much resolved. But the effects of worrying the past 24 hours had taken its toll. I am sorry to say that I accomplished very little yesterday and after taking two naps to try to feel rested, I still needed to go to sleep early. But I did sleep and I awoke feeling a bit better today. I am determined to make today a good one and continue to move forward. Everything is OK.

The only reason I mention these things is because I try to be honest with you all in my posts every day. Our world and lives are filled with peaks and valleys, and it would be unrealistic of me to tell you that I never experience 'bad days'. It happens to us all, and I find that I am fortunate in that for me it doesn't happen very often. Even in this instance it was able to be turned around relatively quickly and things are now much better. But not without costing me a day.

Sometimes coping with others is difficult. We expect a certain response from someone whom we are dealing with and we get something totally different. As a non-confrontational person, I dread having to put my foot down and draw a line. But sometimes it is necessary. Otherwise I feel that I am being taken advantage of, and that isn't good either.

It is not always easy to stand my ground. Even when I know I am right, I never like to appear as being pushy or unreasonable. I always try to put myself in the other person's shoes and look at things from their perspective. I try to understand that honest mistakes and misunderstandings do occur, and it doesn't mean that either party is 'bad' or 'evil'. Many times I am able to let things go without confrontation. I suppose it depends on the importance of the situation at hand. But sometimes, when there is much invested, we have no choice but to state our case and stand up for ourselves. If we don't, we will come out on the losing end and the ensuing resentment would eat away at us.

It doesn't come naturally to me though, and it can easily suck the energy right out of a person.

Today is Canada Day. It is a celebration of the birth of my host country in 1867. Everything is closed here and it is a day to relax, enjoy and reflect. (Much like July 4th is for the USA.)

I awoke early today and I am very grateful that I feel more like myself. There is much that I want to do today, which will bring me happiness and pleasure. It is overcast right now, but it seems that it may be clearing later on. It is quiet outside and I can hear the birds and the river across the road. It will be a good day.

I am lucky to have two places that I can call 'home'. It makes me twice as grateful for all the good things in my life and twice as appreicative.